Stellantis has confirmed it will commence the manufacture of electric vans at its Luton facility from the first half of 2025, marking a significant step in the UK's automotive industry's shift towards electrification. This initiative positions Luton as the second Stellantis plant in the UK to pivot towards electric vehicle (EV) production, following the transformation of the Ellesmere Port facility into the nation’s first EV-only volume manufacturing site.
The Luton plant is slated to start limited production of medium-sized electric vans in spring 2024, supporting the anticipated increase in demand for such vehicles. This development is part of a broader strategy to electrify all Stellantis van production sites across Europe. The vehicles to be produced include the fully electric models of the Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot E-Expert, Citroën ë-Dispatch, and Fiat Professional E-Scudo, catering primarily to the UK market but also equipped for export.
The decision to advance with electric van production in Luton underscores Stellantis' commitment to its UK operations and the broader shift towards sustainable automotive solutions. Mark Noble, the Plant Director at Luton and Stellantis UK Manufacturing Lead, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting it as a significant milestone coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the Luton facility.
Maria Grazia Davino, Stellantis UK Group Managing Director, highlighted the move as indicative of Stellantis' confidence in the Luton plant. However, she also called for increased government stimulation of the EV market and support for manufacturers investing in the UK’s automotive sector's electrification.
The Luton plant, with a history dating back to 1905, has been a cornerstone of the UK's automotive manufacturing landscape, producing a range of popular commercial vehicles for over a century. The transition to electric van production represents a new chapter in the facility's storied history, aligning with broader industry trends towards electric mobility.
Stellantis' leadership in the European van market, particularly in the electric segment, is well-documented, with the company holding substantial market shares. The production of electric vans in the UK, particularly the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, is a key element of Stellantis' strategy to maintain its competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market.
As the automotive industry continues to navigate towards a greener future, Stellantis' investment in electric vehicle production in the UK is a clear signal of the sector's ongoing transformation. This move not only reinforces the company's position as a leader in the field but also highlights the UK's potential as a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing in the years to come.